Intake Rock gate question

[polish man]

I’ve got 3 cracked rails on this and was curious if I did the modifications with removing every other fin like countless posts I’ve seen looking into it. Would seaweed pose an issue passing through. I’ve had the pleasure of diving in water couple times pulling from grate. Naturally I’ll get any cracks left welded. This grate was on my utopia 185 must be an old version as letter after part numbers different. Boat didn’t seem restricted with it had no issues running 50mph

 

[Tim75]

I’ve got 3 cracked rails on this and was curious if I did the modifications with removing every other fin like countless posts I’ve seen looking into it. Would seaweed pose an issue passing through. I’ve had the pleasure of diving in water couple times pulling from grate. Naturally I’ll get any cracks left welded. This grate was on my utopia 185 must be an old version as letter after part numbers different. Boat didn’t seem restricted with it had no issues running 50mph

If you can remember to stay in deeper water.............
The suction from these pumps is impressive.

Seaweed is not the damaging issue. Rocks, sticks, rope, bags are more damaging. Not just to the impeller; but to the wear ring and stator, too.

Once upon a time, I ran my boat with no grate at all. It did make a difference- about 3-5 mph faster.

 

[polish man]

^Thanks usually between 14 to 48 ft unless tryin to beach. Theres one place I go where gets down to 2 ft naturally not layin into it in them areas. Both times so far sea weed got me I was in 40+ ft sections when patches popped up I coundnt dodge fast enough.

 

[ripcuda]

Agreed. I don't ride in shallows, but do have lots of floating weeds. Grate-less saves a lot of hassle with all the weeds for me. No issues for boat/engine running grate-less... but gotta be careful of the rocks and junk in the shallows... more damage risk when grate-less.

 

[polish man]

Guess ill be modifying and tryin when she comes out of winter hiding